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The Fall of Communism and the U.S.S.R. Eastern Bloc. Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. 15 Republics: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan. 7 Satellite Countries:
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Eastern Bloc Union of Soviet Socialist Republics 15 Republics: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan 7 Satellite Countries: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia
The Reign of Gorbachev • 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev becomes U.S.S.R leader • Implements reform: • Perestroika – Economic reform “restructuring” • Glasnost – “openness” People allowed to speak out against gov. • Western fashion, music, culture • Democratization
Gorbachev loses power • Reform brings economic problems • W/O gov. help, factories close • Changes brings a call for democratic change (?) • Discontent spreads Communism fell, but so did Gorbachev.
The Berlin Wall Falls! • 1987 – President Reagan, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear this wall down!” • 1989, Hungary opened its border with Austria, East Germans flee to the West. • Massive public demonstrations in East Germany and Eastern Europe, the Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989.
New Leadership in U.S.S.R • June 1991, Boris Yeltsin comes to power • First directly elected president, communist is voted OUT! • “Hard-liners” oppose reform
End of the U.S.S.R • 1991, August Coup attempt in Moscow • Play Me! • Coup sparks independence movements • Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), federation of Soviet territories • Christmas Day, 1991, Gorbachev resigns as president and U.S.S.R to nonexistent
WARM-UP • Yesterday was Memorial Day, on the L side of notebook, write a short letter to anyone you know who has fought for our country. • Be critical thinkers and self-guided achievers!
Changes in Europe Poland Hungary Small stock market opened, allowing $$ growth New constitution = new elections Voter’s put non-commies in power…1994, tides change 1999 join NATO • “Solidarity” – 1980, shipyard union strike & demanded recognition • Lech Walesa – leader of the movement and 1988 strike • 1990 – Walesa becomes Prez. • 1999 join Nato
Germany • Reunification – the merging of two Germanys • October 3,1990: “Two become one” • Now the strongest economy in Europe • First female chancellor, Angela Merkel
Czechoslovakia • “Velvet Revolution” –500K in Prague and government stepped down • Ended commie rule • Vaclav Havel 1st Prez. • 1/1/93 – Splits into The Czech Republic and Slovakia Citizens mourn the death of Vaclav Havel, 12/11